OTTAWA — A Canadian cabinet minister is visiting Paraguay this week in hopes of strengthening ties with the South American country.

Treasury Board president Vic Toews met Thursday with Paraguay's economy minister, Dionisio Borda.

A news release from his office says the pair discussed economic issues and the relationship between the two countries.

The news release also says they discussed Paraguay's 30,000-strong Mennonite community, which includes over 9,000 Canadian citizens.

Toews' riding is in Manitoba, which also has a considerable Mennonite community.

Toews said in the release that Canada wants to work with Paraguay to strengthen and promote freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law throughout the Americas.